Design and Construction of Brewery Quality Labs

Learn Basic Guidelines

Brewery labs do not have to be complex, but it is important understand the implications of material, site, and equipment selection.

Brewers, laboratory personnel and engineers can learn basic guidelines to consider when designing and constructing a laboratory for a new or existing brewery from the Brewers Association’s Design and Construction of Brewer Quality Labs publication. An excerpt can be found below.

Understand which local codes and regulations pertain to laboratories, and inquire about relevant permitting requirements related to construction and build-out.

Use the International Building Code for additional design codes, requirements, and best practices.

Multiple Layout Options

Once the scope of your quality program and specific laboratory needs have been determined, incorporate the available space into a formal layout. Develop multiple layouts and discuss the implications of each with your team.

Read the Rest of the Guidelines

For more information, download the full Design and Construction of Brewer Quality Labs resource, which includes guidance on material selection for cabinets, countertops and flooring, along with important considerations for electrical needs, HVAC, fire protection, plumbing and compressed gases.

Additional Resource

The American Society of Brewing Chemists (ASBC) has developed resources to help determine the scope of a brewery lab, based on production volume and desired analyses. See their Grow Your Own Lab resource for additional guidance.